Volunteer Coach

Jason Hamilton joins the Gator soccer program for his first season in 2013. He will coach the Gators’ trio of goalkeepers.

Hamilton comes to Gainesville after spending the past season as an assistant coach with the Boston Breakers of the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL). While with the Breakers, his role included scouting opponents as well as working with the goalkeepers. During the 2013 season, Hamilton trained goalkeepers Cecilia Santiago from Mexico and Alyssa Naeher of the United States, as well as the other players on the team.

Before going to Boston, Hamilton spent two years at the University of Miami where he rose quickly in the ranks, from volunteer coach to full assistant, before leading the program as the Interim Head Coach in early spring of 2013. While with the Hurricanes, Hamilton worked with the back line, midfield and goalkeepers as well as scouting opponents and directing camps. In 2012 Hamilton helped Miami to one of its most successful seasons in the program's history as the Hurricanes set program records for shutouts, fewest goals against, and conference shutouts. The 2012 Miami Hurricanes made its first Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament appearance in five seasons and received a berth in the NCAA Championships’ field.

He was the head coach of the Vardar Soccer Club in Michigan for seven years before joining the Hurricane program. Vardar participates in the Elite Clubs National League and the U.S. Soccer Development Academy. He coached goalkeepers for six years while at the club, and helped develop multiple NCAA Division-1scholarship athletes including goalkeepers and field players.

Hamilton has also previously coached high school soccer. For two years, he was the assistant coach for the girls’ team at West Bloomfield High School in West Bloomfield Township, Mich. He also held the position of head coach for the boys’ team at Berkley High School in Berkley, Mich., for two years. After his first season, he was named the Oakland Activities Association Coach of the Year and picked up the Daily Tribune Coach of the Year.

As a player, Hamilton was a midfielder for Macomb College in Clinton Charter Township, Mich. The team advanced to the 2000 NJCAA Final Four, with Hamilton earning a spot on the NJCAA Final Four all-tournament team. He also was an all-conference first-team selection.

He then transferred to the University of Detroit Mercy and played goalkeeper there for his sophomore and junior years. As a senior, Hamilton moved back out onto the field and was a captain. After graduating, Hamilton volunteered for the team and worked with the goalkeepers.

After his college career, Hamilton played four seasons as a defender for the Windsor Border Stars in the Canadian Professional Soccer League. While he was there, the team won two Canada Cup Championships.

He then spent one season with the American Indoor Soccer League and won the AISL Championship.

Hamilton received his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Detroit Mercy in 2005. He also has several diplomas and licenses from the National Soccer Coaches Association of America, the United States Soccer Federation and the United States Sports Academy.

Hamilton and his wife, Ashley, welcomed Mackenzie to their family in March of 2013.